The Total Commitment
If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters–yes, and even his own life–he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:26-27 (CSB)
Unfortunately, the word " commitment " has become meaningless today. People often make commitments without a true intent to follow through. The term " commitment " refers to the state of being dedicated to an action, state, event, something, or someone. When we experience true regeneration, we fully commit to following the Lord.
Worldly Commitment. Look around the world today and try to see where the concept of true commitment is genuinely understood. We find that many people enter the commitment of marriage as long as it does not cause too much pain or if “something better” doesn’t come along. We observe athletes committing to a school to play a sport only to decommit and then commit elsewhere. The world seems to hold little value in the idea of commitment and endeavors to diminish the very nature of dedicating our lives to something or someone.
Genuine Commitment. Genuine commitment means complete dedication. It represents the resolve to remain faithful and committed, regardless of what happens. Genuine commitment encompasses the entirety of the self and cultivates the endurance to maintain faithfulness. When we make a genuine commitment to the Lord, we choose to live in a way that resists the temptations of the world, actively seeking to live for the Lord by pursuing Him with all aspects of our lives.
Commitment to the Lord. Regeneration must encompass our dedication to the Lord. The act of repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward the Lord. In our commitment, we promise and dedicate our lives to walking the path established for us by the Lord. We devote ourselves to pursuing spiritual growth and to living in a way that reflects the kingdom of God and the Lord. We must make a true, authentic, and genuine commitment to the Lord, not a half-hearted verbal affirmation.
QUESTIONS
How do we ever struggle to remain ultimately commitment to the Lord in a life of faithfulness and obedience?
How could active church membership aid in remaining genuinely committed to the Lord?
